Forestry Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of sustainability, the role of forestry managers has never been more crucial.

As global awareness of environmental conservation grows, so too does the demand for skilled professionals who can manage, conserve, and enhance our forest resources.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a forestry manager?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to comprehend the nature of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the complexities of forestry management,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable forestry manager job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Forestry Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Forestry Managers oversee the activities and operations in a forest, including conservation and use of forest lands.

They are responsible for managing forested lands for economic, recreational, and conservation purposes.

Forestry Managers perform a variety of tasks, with daily duties and responsibilities including:

• Developing plans for forested lands management, including planning for timber harvesting, reforestation, and wildlife habitat enhancement.
• Monitoring forest-cleanup operations to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
• Establishing short- and long-term plans for control of forest fires, pests, or disease.
• Negotiating terms and conditions for forest harvesting and land-use contracts.
• Directing, training, and supervising forestry workers and volunteers.
• Inspecting forests for trees to be marked for cutting or thinning.
• Tracking wildlife movement and migration patterns to ensure healthy animal populations.
• Working with local communities, interest groups, and government agencies to promote conservation and responsible use of forest lands.
• Ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal forestry and environmental regulations.
• Preparing and managing budgets for forest resource management.

 

Forestry Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a knowledgeable and experienced Forestry Manager to oversee our forest resources.

The Forestry Manager will be responsible for planning and implementing forest management strategies, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and monitoring the health of the forest.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of forest ecology, excellent management skills, and a commitment to sustainable practices.

The Forestry Manager will be expected to work closely with a team of professionals, including forest technicians, conservation scientists, and logging supervisors, to ensure the optimal use of our forest resources.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement forest management plans.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal forestry and environmental laws.
• Monitor forest growth to determine when and where to harvest timber.
• Oversee forest harvesting operations.
• Work with conservation scientists to protect wildlife habitats.
• Coordinate efforts to fight forest fires and control pests and diseases.
• Assess damage to forests caused by severe weather events.
• Prepare reports on forest management activities.
• Maintain records of forest inventory and land use.
• Collaborate with local communities and stakeholders on forest conservation efforts.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Forestry Manager or similar role.
• Strong knowledge of forest ecology and silviculture.
• Experience with forest management software and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Familiarity with local, state, and federal forestry regulations.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to work in challenging outdoor conditions.
• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, environmental science, or related field.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Forestry Manager
• Work Environment: This job is primarily outdoors in various weather conditions. The role may also require some office work for planning and administrative tasks.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Forestry.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $60,000 minimum to $100,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Forestry Manager Do?

Forestry Managers, also known as Forest Officers or Forest Supervisors, primarily work for government organizations or private logging companies.

They can also work as consultants for environmental conservation groups.

Their main responsibility is to supervise all activities related to forest conservation, logging, and reforestation.

They manage the use of forests to maintain a balance between timber production, wildlife habitat, water quality and recreation.

Forestry Managers plan and direct the growth and use of forests, which may include determining the type and number of trees to be planted, thinning forest areas, and determining how to best protect forests from disease and pests.

They are also responsible for conducting environmental impact studies, developing forest management plans, implementing forest legislation and coordinating the activities of forest workers or contractors.

Their role often includes ensuring that all operations comply with government regulations and policies regarding environmental protection and safety.

Forestry Managers must have a deep understanding of botany, ecology, and conservation principles to make the most informed decisions about forest management.

They are also required to have strong leadership skills to effectively manage a team and coordinate with other stakeholders.

 

Forestry Manager Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Forestry Manager should possess a wide range of skills and qualifications including:

• Knowledge in forestry sciences, ecosystem management and understanding of forest-related issues to manage forests effectively.
• Strong leadership and managerial skills to oversee a team of forestry workers, ensuring that they carry out tasks efficiently and safely.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities to quickly identify and address any threats to the forest’s health and growth.
• Ability to develop and implement forest management plans, aligning with conservation regulations and goals.
• Physical fitness and stamina to work in various weather conditions and terrains, often involving rigorous physical activities.
• Good communication skills to liaise with clients, government agencies, conservation groups and the public regarding forestry management plans and activities.
• Proficient in using forestry tools and equipment, as well as knowledge of GIS (Geographic Information System) and other related software for land and tree data analysis.
• Understanding of forest fire management and prevention techniques to safeguard the forest resources.
• Experience in conducting forest inventories and inspections to assess the health of the forest and its biodiversity.
• Comfortable in making tough decisions such as selecting trees for harvest and determining appropriate silviculture methods.

 

Forestry Manager Experience Requirements

The role of a Forestry Manager often requires a combination of formal education and relevant work experience.

Individuals typically have a bachelor’s degree in forestry, environmental science, or a related field.

Entry-level Forestry Managers may have 1 to 2 years of experience in forestry or conservation roles.

This experience can be gained through positions such as Forestry Technicians, Conservation Scientists, or Park Rangers, where they gain practical knowledge about forest management, conservation principles, and local ecology.

Those with 3 to 5 years of experience often have expanded their practical skills and knowledge through roles such as Forestry Consultant or Forest Operations Supervisor.

These positions often involve planning and implementing forest management plans, supervising forestry projects, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

Forestry Managers with more than 5 years of experience are expected to have a solid background in forest management and conservation, as well as experience in supervising teams and managing projects.

They may have gained this experience through senior roles in forestry or conservation organizations, or through advanced roles in government forestry departments.

In addition to these experience requirements, many Forestry Managers also hold professional certifications, such as the Certified Forester credential from the Society of American Foresters, which can further enhance their qualifications and credibility in the field.

 

Forestry Manager Education and Training Requirements

Forestry Managers typically need a bachelor’s degree in forestry or a related field such as environmental science, agricultural science, or natural resource management.

These programs provide extensive knowledge in forest ecology, tree identification, timber management, forest health and fire management.

Some forestry programs also include courses in mapping or Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Certain job roles may require Forestry Managers to have a master’s degree in forest management or related fields.

This advanced study usually involves research in forest ecology, forest resource management, or forest economics.

In addition to formal education, practical experience gained through internships or summer jobs in forestry can be beneficial.

Some states require Forestry Managers to be licensed or registered.

The licensing criteria generally require a degree from an approved forestry program and some work experience in the field, as well as passing a comprehensive exam.

Professional certifications, while not mandatory, are highly recommended as they demonstrate a high level of competency and commitment to the field.

These can be earned from organizations such as the Society of American Foresters.

Continuing education to stay updated with the latest forestry management practices and technologies is also important in this field.

 

Forestry Manager Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Forestry Manager is approximately $63,296 (USD) per year.

However, the actual salary may vary depending on factors such as years of experience, qualifications, the size and location of the forest managed, and the organization employing the Forestry Manager.

 

Forestry Manager Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Forestry Manager need?

Forestry Managers need a strong understanding of forest ecology, tree physiology, and silviculture.

They also need to have excellent project management skills, with the ability to plan, implement, and oversee multiple projects simultaneously.

Other necessary skills include communication, problem-solving, leadership, and the ability to work as part of a team.

Knowledge of safety protocols and regulatory standards is also crucial.

 

Do Forestry Managers need a degree?

Yes, a Forestry Manager typically needs a bachelor’s degree in forestry, environmental science, or a related field.

Some positions may require a master’s degree or professional certification.

Additionally, practical experience in the forestry industry is often essential, whether gained through internships, seasonal work, or post-graduate employment.

 

What should you look for in a Forestry Manager resume?

A good Forestry Manager resume should highlight relevant educational qualifications and industry experience.

Look for experience in forest management, conservation, land use planning, and environmental regulations.

Also, look for evidence of leadership skills, project management experience, and any relevant certifications.

A strong candidate will also demonstrate a commitment to sustainable forestry practices.

 

What qualities make a good Forestry Manager?

A good Forestry Manager should be passionate about forest conservation and have a strong understanding of sustainable forestry practices.

They should be able to make informed decisions based on scientific data and have excellent problem-solving skills.

Good communication and leadership skills are essential, as they will often need to lead teams and liaise with various stakeholders.

 

Is it difficult to hire Forestry Managers?

Hiring a Forestry Manager can be challenging, as it requires finding someone with a unique blend of skills and experience.

It involves finding someone with the right educational background, practical experience in forestry, project management skills, and a commitment to sustainable practices.

The recruitment process can be made easier by working with agencies or organizations specialized in environmental and forestry recruitment.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we have taken a deep dive into what it really means to be a Forestry Manager.

And guess what?

It’s not just about planting trees.

It’s about cultivating a sustainable future, one tree at a time.

With our handy Forestry Manager job description template and real-world examples, you’re equipped to step into the field.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your pathway to meticulously crafted job listings or finessing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every tree planted is a step towards a greener future.

Let’s grow that future. Together.

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